Lake 22

My dogs and I hike this trail probably 20 times a year and the beauty always remains the same regardless of the time of year. The Fall colors were glorious along the rock slide area and around the lake this year and the mosquitoes were gone. The lake color was a turquoise blue with cliffs reaching up another 1000 feet or so above the lake. There  was a hint of fresh snow on the upper cliffs and the air had that clean fresh smell. .Can't wait for the first big snow. I wouldn't call this an easy trail as it is 2.8 miles with an elevation gain of around 1300 feet. Small children might have a tough time depending on the time of year as there was plenty of snow this year clear into July. Boots are a must to keep feet protected and dry. This trail is open year round and in the Winter it is a snowshoe Winter wonderland.

We hiked this trail in the middle of the week on an overcast day. Got halfway up Mt. Pilchuck and realized there would be no view, so we tried Lake 22 at around 3:30.  The views through old growth forest with waterfalls abounding were spectacular, but the lake at the top surrounded by mountains that pierced  the undebellies of the heavy clouds was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!  We were the only ones on this trail except for the 3 people from Maryland we saw coming down as we were going up.  We are also from Maryland which added to the fun of this hike.  I've never experienced such an eerily beautiful and powerful place. This is a great hike on an overcast day.

Memorial Day Weekend, 2009:  Access to trailhead is clear. Switchbacks follow Lake 22 stream with several waterfalls, very scenic. There are several trees in the path, all are navigable. Last .25-.5 mile has packed snow; if I had a small child, would not attempt to go all the way to the lake. About half of the lake is covered with snow, very bright so bring your sunglasses. This trail is quite rocky, but since there are many streams crossing, it will be muddy and wet.

This one was hard on my knees towards the very end, but I will certainly be back!  Even saw a snake (harmless).

Did hike in early January 09. Snow shoeing all the way. Beautiful and quiet. Encountered very few people. Had to stop at half way point--where there is a clearing and you can see some views--due to an avalanche that had taken place. The trail was no longer visible. A couple passed me going down saying that another couple braved the avalanche and were proceeding.

I will wait a few weeksw before trying this again.

Did this hike on September 31st. Like many have mentioned, the trail is busy, but it is a beautiful hike. The avalanche area near the top of the trail has now been cleared of trees, which was nice.

Three of us went on this hike on August 2nd. Like many have said before, if you want solitude on your hike, don't go on this one! The parking lot was nearly full when we got there are around 10. The hike itsely is really beautiful. Nice mix of Old Growth, Stream views (with waterfalls) and some mountain meadows. The day was not the best for views, since it was heavily overcast, so I cannot comment on the views during the hike! The cloud cover was so low, we were in them at the top of the trail. About 1/4 mile from the lake, there looks like there was an avalanche during the winter. Several trees were down, creating a small obstical course navigating this area. This just added to the fun of the hike! When we reached the lake, there is still a lot of snow! Half the lake is still covered in ice.

We had fun on this hike and will go again.....we will wait for a clearer day so we can see the lake and surrounding mountains better at the top.

Beautiful hike...highly recommend it!  Gets your heart rate up, but was not too demanding for inexperienced hikers.  We did this hike a couple times in early summer.  Beautiful, thundering waterfalls and bridges over the river accompany you throughout the hike.  However, at this lookout point, there are granite slabs along the pathway which, if it is even WARM, will emit heat like an oven.  When you get to the top you will see the lake laid out like a postcard.  The boardwalk goes completely around the lake but parts of it may be covered in snow depending on when you do the hike.

I didn't see this hike as a four star this time of year.  The water was not a hazzard, but there are several places on the trail to cross it.  There are several visible falls along the way, and you can see a nice river just after starting out on the trial.  The trail is well maintained.  I was up in an hour and down in the same time (due to running into lots of foot traffic making their way up).  There is a trail all around the lake that takes 1/2 hour to go around.  It was a bit drizzily, but there were clearings.  The lake was visible.  Just a small patch of snow near the lake but not on the trail.

Hiked this trail in June 2007, it was gorgeous.  The waterfalls were gushing, the trees were big, and the lake up top was still frozen over, but not entirely.  The lake up top is awesome, and it is well worth finishing the hike.  You should wear shoes with snow in mind unless you go in July/August/September, because there is some.

Went on 9/15/2007 with 3 of my children ages 11-17. While it was quite a bit different than was described in the book we read, it stated it was easy for small children, it was still very enjoyable. I am just starting to get back into shape so I had to stop a heck of a lot more for breathe than my kids did but I still made it. Navigating all the loose rock was probably the most difficult part.  What a beautiful experience!

I have to say this is a great beginner hike.  It has it all a good incline, a trail that stretches through the trees and rocks, and a lake at the end.  I gave it 3 hikers simply b/c it has a decent elevation change and my wife and I were paking our two children (1 1/2 and 2 1/2) on our backs.  It took us a little longer for this reason.  Still we made the round trip in 5 hours.  We definently recommend this hike.

Went last Sunday, July 22.  It was kinda a drizzly day, but overall a good day for this hike.  Much of the hike is secluded in temperate rainforest so the drizzle doesn't really affect you.  The views at Lake 22 are pretty cool, with mountains surrounding you on all sides except for the inlet from below and where the mountain stream runs down.  I give the difficulty of this hike Moderate+ just due to the "water factor".  There was literally 50-60 water hazards of one sort or another you had to navigate along the trail.  Lots of small waterfalls and runners make this an interesting albeit somewhat technical journey.  Don't forget to stop for blueberries just as you cross out of the forest run and start your climb up out into the open mountainside section.  When you are at the lake you can take the trail around the lake, be forewarned on the farside, the trail goes closer to the lake, dont try to scramble over the rocks, you'll end up off the trail and in the thorns.... wink wink

This is a favorite of mine in the category of beginner hikes.  It has all the elements of a beautiful hike with a great scenic finish.  I take a group of 40 JH students up every year and they always love it.  A big plus is that in late july and august you will want to pack a swim suit as there are two or three great beginner rock diving spots.  Nothing feels better after a hot hike then a 12 to 15 foot dive in to the clear crisp blue lake. :0)

My wife and I hiked to the lake with ease. The trail is in excellent condition with many updated steps and gravel paths. The lake area now has some great boardwalks to make it effortless to go all the way around. There are still some snow caves back by the mountain. A few mosquitos were encountered but we didn't have a poblem with them while sitting on the boulders under the mountian spires. This is a really good introduction hike for anyone.

We used to hike quite a bit but have gotten a little out of shape, so chose this hike as a re-starter. We left our house in Seattle about 8 a.m. Sunday 7/8/07 stopped for breakfast, and were at the trail head by 10:30, after picking up a pass at the ranger station. We saw no one on the whole trail up, which surprised us on a beautifully sunny Sunday morning. I don’t know when I have enjoyed a walk more than this one. The trail up through the old growth, following the cascade of 22 creek, was beautifully laid out to take advantage of views and the sound of water. The boardwalks around the lake are done, so there is no more walking through (crushing) marshy areas. We found 2 other couples as we walked around the lake but a nice large flat rock at the far end of the lake below the rampart of the mountains was free, so we had our lunch there then took a short nap in the sun. Many more people started to show up about the time we were leaving, and on our way down we ran into about 100 on their way up for the afternoon. Advice is to go early on weekends or go on weekdays for this hike, novice or intermediate hikers will not be disappointed.

We hit this trail with our kids (7 & 9) - as Pilchuk would not be worth the effort when it was as rainy as it was. This trail was an easy hike - the top 1/3 has a lot of rocks/ gravel of varying sizes. It was rainy and the trail was pretty much deserted - which was a treat, We were able to really enjoy the solitude, saw wildflowers getting started (dogwoods,  lupines, some skunk cabbage, etc) - and the river was in full flow. Lots of mini stream wading - which the children loved and the final view of the lake was amazing - almost reminded me of Kauai( with the number of waterfalls feeding the lake). Lots of snow around the lake - so the loop around the lake (which adds another 1.1 mile to the hike) - was not doable (very slushy).  This is an easy to do trail -but would recommend hiking boots - sneakers would not be appropriate(I bet that your soles would get tired with the amount of rock you have to walk over).

My wife and I took a picnic lunch up on Labor Day.  The trail is pretty easy, not even the talus is much of a problem for anyone in fair shape.  The great thing about late summer is that you can swim in the lake if you can handle a little shock.   Great flat rocks on the far side to sun on.  A perfect hike if you feel like a little workout without investing a whole day.

Went on this hike on 7/3/06.  The old growth towards the start of the hike was impressive, and the views switchbacking were also nice.  The only part of the hike that was even marginally uncomfortable was crossing the talus with so much heat radiating off the rocks.  The boardwalk and trail around the lake is impressive.  This trail is nicely maintained, with no grade too difficult for novice hikers.  Recommend to beginners.  If you like this hike but want more of a challenge, check out Lake Serene.  Be sure to arrive early, the parking lot (quite large) fills up on weekends.

I went on June 25, 2006 for the first time. It was a hot (hit 93F later in teh day) and humid day. At least I got started early at 10AM. This is a very nice hike to get you going for the hiking season. There was a little bit of everything: streams, rivers, forest, shade, boulders, scenery, switchbacks, elevation gain, the lake, and snow. I'm 39 year old male in decent shape. Ascent was 1 hr 45 min and descent was 1 hr. It's probably a 20 minute hike around the lake but I stopped for a nice half hour lunch on the far side (snow side). Consumed a liter and a half of water during the hike and lunch. I couldn't believe the number of people I met heading down that were not carrying water. And no food. What kind of hike is that?

This is great trail. Not only is Lake 22 beautiful, the trail along the creek is quite scenic as well.

this hike is short and sweet.  i only gave it a 3 star because there are a lot more awesome hikes out there.  but it's still a good hike, i'd recommend it for someone new to hiking.... or if you're looking for a almost snow-free trail at this time of the year.  since i read somewhere that this is a heavily used trail, decided to go on a weekday.  and we did get some peace and quiet :-) the lake is still half frozen and it's beautiful.  the trail is still a bit wet, and still has patches of snow within 5-10 minutes of the lake, still, the trail is in decent condition.  it took 1 hour to hike up and 1 hour to hike down.  trailhead about 1 hour from my lake forest park home.

It was a great time. I'm new to hiking and this was wonderful. It rained all the way, but it didn't  ruin the beauty of the old growth and waterfall.

I took my parents on this hike.  The lake is amazingly beautiful, and the hike is quite enjoyable without being too strenuous.  It's short and scenic and low in altitude so it can be done for much of the year.  Highly recommended.

This trail is about an hour fifteen minutes out of North Seattle with no traffic.  There was snow in the parking lot, but not as we made our way half way up the trail.  The spring run of and rain made for a wonderful hike between forty shades of green moss, evergreens, ferns and plants thinking about budding up.  Also saw some beet red roots and huge old trees.  Unfortunately this super easy hike was not super accessible for my hiking partner who is easily winded by walks and just getting into shape, but even without going to the top the trail is wonderful.

This would be a wonderful hike to take with out-of-town visitors.  It has great old-growth forests with a variety of flora and numerous charming water "features".  Water trickles across the trail in little mini-waterfalls.  You will also pass actual bigger gushing waterfalls.  The vegetation itself is like you'd imagine Washington rain should bring.  We loved all the different mushrooms, ferns, moss, and giant slugs!  The hike is quite easy with a constant mild incline.  The most strenuous portion was the rocky  talus slope that John describes above.  But don't worry, even this part is a moderate slope, and couldn't be more than about 15-20 minutes.  (When you reach the rocky talus you are probably a little more than halfway there) Then the trail becomes an easy mild incline again.  Of course the lake is beautiful, and they are building a trail around it.  The unfinished portions are just a little muddy.  If you are in OK shape (active but don't really work out), you could probably make it.  And anyone who is even moderately active will find it super easy.  I would definately consider bringing my non-hiking mother here.  The great thing is, even if you don't make it to the lake, the trail itself is beautiful!  I thought the lake was nice, but I think I appreciated the journey even more!

It was Aug, 1996 according to my hiking note in my favorite book "Hiking in Washington" by Foghorn Press.  I don't do much hiking but told a co-worker yesterday that this was a favorite hike that stood out in my mind because of the amazing view of this little lake nestled in these high peaks that suddenly unfolds before you right at the end of the hike.  My hiking note also says "we swam...on the top 12" of the water only!".

I am a very newbie, not in great shape hiker, and this was doable, but just barely... the middle section everyone talks about is steep and uneven and rocky, and probably very hot in the sun, but the rest of the trail is beautiful, has many waterfalls and old-growth trees, and is well-maintained. It was a lovely hike, though. Although it ended up raining on us from half-way up, the rocks were not too slick and the misty view was still panoramic. Currently the lake edge is pretty muddy and torn up by the people working on the path, and we had to do a little rock-and-log scramblng to get to the boardwalk, but it's a really nice boardwalk. I'm glad they're expanding it.

We went on Memorial day. This was a really great hike through beautiful old growth forest. There are several waterfalls along the trail. The trail is rocky for at least a 1/2 mile towards the end of the trail. It does get a bit chilly at the top, so I would reccommend bringing a sweatshirt or vest. The lake at the top is a great place to stop for lunch. We started around noon and got back down by 4.

Walked up casually on may 20th. Very easy hike. I love at the end when it opens wide up and their is two long switchbacks. Started dumping on me when i reached the lake. Ran all the way down. A nice hike, i wonder why Heather feels so much longer. I can't wait for the summer so I can do some beutiful East Lakes, Anette, snow, Rachel, Lilly, all really good hikes. This hike is really easy to get to. YOU ENJOY YOURSELF

They haven't finished constructing the trail around the lake, but it's clear where the route is -- orange tape flags, and there's been foot traffic. The rock-blasting is done, and the boardwalk over the soggy part mostly is, so the only rough part is some ungraded ground through the trees. Oh, and no bridge across the creek, but there are stepping stones. Anyway, I do recommend the trail around the lake. And I can't leave without praising the forest that's on the way up. Beautiful big old redcedars.

The trail is very well traveled and a very easy hike if you have any physical conditioning. It gets two hikers for the loose rock switchbacks, but if you have some decent boots for ankle support it's no problem. The entire trip took me just over two hours. It is a very beautiful hike with lots of water features along the way. The lake area at top is very beautiful, but there is no set path around the lake edge and it is kind of beat down and muddy in lots of spots. They are working on a actual trail around the lake, but I'm not sure when that is to be done. If you are looking for a similar hike with a better payoff at the end, hit Heather Lake which has a trail all around it.

A great spring hike, we hiked this mid-March of this year, going early in the day when parking was plentiful. The NW Forest Pass is necessary to park at the trailhead. The lake two weeks ago was still mostly frozen, melting around the perimeter. As you approach the lake from the trail there is a small beach area where (at least this time of year) you go left & work your way across some rocks & logs to get to a boardwalk that's going in. We spoke briefly with some people who had hiked around the lake, something I might revisit with more time to explore.

First let me say, I am not a hiker. I don't hike and only went on this hike because one of my room-mates wanted to go and I had nothing else to do. I was very impressed with the scenery and beauty surrounding us the entire hike. Although the trail was probably a bit over my skill-level (not being a hiker and all) I was able to get up easily enough. Since temperatures were low, the hike back down the trail was fairly difficult and lead to many slips, though none serious. All in all the trail was great and I would suggest this hike to anyone willing to work towards a very beautiful reward.

Trail is 2.7 miles (5.4 miles round trip) and climbs 1300'. The trail begins parallel to and above the Mtn. Loop Hwy. Then it crosses 22 Creek and climbs through switchbacks west of the creek. Several spots afford views of waterfalls as the creek flows north from the lake. One talus field is about 2/3 the way in and from it you can see Three Fingers and Liberty Mtn. The lake itself is in a cirque with striking rock peaks along the south side. The water is refreshing and available to swimmers and fisherman both. Huckleberries are also in season soon too!

I nice hike fairly level with a slight grade at the begining then gets some what steeper in the middle and a little rocky(On a hot day this area is not fun due the pounding sun on the rocks makes it very hot). It levels off at the top for a very nice entrance into the lake. The trip is not even 6 miles so that should be adjusted on your site (2.7 miles). Spent some time at the top soaking our feet and preparing to return. I have to give it 2 hikers due to the middle section and the hot day I took it on.

My first time on this trail. I started at around 6am. Got back to the car at around 8:30 am. Gorgeous waterfalls, and streams, and creek. Absolutely lovely. The fog was just starting to move in when I got to the talus slope. I quickly ran into snow --